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AGR Partners is a specialist food and agribusiness investor founded in 2012 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The firm focuses on providing long-term capital to grow industry leaders across the food and agricultural value chain. AGR Partners has invested over $800 million since its inception, emphasizing a partnership-based approach to investing. The founding partners possess deep roots in agriculture, which informs their investment strategy and operational support.
As of now, AGR Partners manages a portfolio of 15 companies, targeting established businesses with meaningful earnings. The firm operates primarily in North America and Oceania, with a keen interest in companies that exhibit strong EBITDA performance. Their investment strategy is designed to support growth equity, ownership transitions, and special situations, rather than classic seed-stage venture capital.
AGR Partners has achieved notable milestones, including successful exits from companies like Opal Foods and Tru-Test Group. The firm’s commitment to the food and agribusiness sectors positions it as a key player in the investment landscape, providing valuable insights and resources to its portfolio companies.
AGR Partners invests across the food and agricultural value chain, specifically targeting businesses in food-agtech, agtech, animal health, and food marketplaces. The firm focuses on companies located in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, with earnings between $5 million to $50 million EBITDA and an enterprise value of $50 million to $500 million. Investments typically range from $15 million to $75 million, utilizing various capital formats including majority, minority, and junior capital.
The firm emphasizes a partnership-based investment strategy, seeking to collaborate with family-, founder-, and management-owned companies that require patient, flexible capital. AGR Partners aims to support its portfolio companies through M&A, growth capital expenditures, shareholder liquidity, management buyouts, debt reduction, and carve-outs. Their investment thesis revolves around building long-term relationships and providing creative capital structures tailored to the unique needs of each business.
AGR Partners has built a diverse portfolio of 15 companies across various sectors within the food and agribusiness landscape. Notable portfolio companies include:
Ejnar Knudsen - Managing Partner: Ejnar oversees the investment strategy at AGR Partners. He previously served as executive vice president at Western Milling and has experience managing loans and venture capital investments at Rabobank.
Daniel Masters - Partner: Daniel is a founding member of AGR Partners and has a background as an investment manager for a captive private equity fund within National Australia Bank. He also worked as a senior associate at Hastings Funds Management.
Wesley Sand - Chief Operating Officer: Wesley focuses on underwriting and portfolio management. His prior experience includes roles at McKinsey, Koch Industries, and Movie Gallery.
Brock Jenkins - Principal: Brock is responsible for identifying new investment opportunities. He previously worked as a senior investment analyst at Prudential Capital Group.
Christine Taylor - Chief Financial Officer: Christine manages the financial operations of AGR Partners, ensuring sound financial practices and reporting.
Spencer DePree - Principal: Spencer plays a key role in investment analysis and portfolio management.
Ana Vazquez - Controller: Ana oversees accounting and financial reporting.
Karen Whaley - Vice President of Administration: Karen manages administrative functions within the firm.
Colin McElroy - Vice President: Colin supports investment activities and portfolio management.
Sam Mallory - Associate: Sam assists in investment analysis and due diligence.
Kelly Kuester - Associate: Kelly supports the investment team with research and analysis.
Jessica Withers - Senior Accountant: Jessica manages financial records and reporting.
Elizabeth Borba - Finance & Operations Associate: Elizabeth supports financial operations and reporting.
To pitch AGR Partners, founders should send an email to info@agrpartners.com. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and financial projections. The firm prefers detailed information that demonstrates the company's growth potential and operational strategy.
Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks. AGR Partners values warm introductions, so leveraging connections within the food and agribusiness sectors can enhance the chances of a successful pitch.
In 2025, AGR Partners backed Vita-Pakt, a California-based processor of premium citrus ingredients, further expanding its portfolio in the food sector. This investment aligns with the firm's focus on companies that demonstrate strong growth potential within the food and agribusiness landscape.
Additionally, AGR Partners has successfully exited from several notable investments, including Opal Foods, 3D Corporate Solutions, and Tru-Test Group, showcasing their ability to identify and support high-potential companies in the agribusiness sector.
What are AGR Partners' investment criteria?
AGR Partners targets companies in the food and agribusiness sectors with earnings between $5 million to $50 million EBITDA and an enterprise value of $50 million to $500 million. They invest in various stages, from Friends & Family to Growth Equity.
How can I pitch AGR Partners?
Founders can reach out to AGR Partners via email at info@agrpartners.com. It is advisable to include a detailed pitch deck outlining the business model, market opportunity, and financial projections.
What makes AGR Partners different from other investors?
AGR Partners emphasizes a partnership-based approach, focusing on long-term relationships with family-, founder-, and management-owned companies. Their deep agricultural expertise allows them to provide tailored support to portfolio companies.
What is the typical check size for investments?
AGR Partners typically invests between $15 million and $75 million in their portfolio companies, depending on the specific needs and growth potential of the business.
What geographic areas does AGR Partners focus on?
The firm primarily invests in North America and Oceania, specifically targeting companies in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
What kind of post-investment involvement does AGR Partners have?
AGR Partners takes an active role in supporting its portfolio companies through strategic guidance, operational support, and access to their extensive network in the food and agribusiness sectors.
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